Executives from Saab and Airbus have revealed to Reuters that the two companies are in discussions regarding potential collaboration on unmanned fighter technology. This move highlights both the surging market interest in drones and shifting alliance dynamics within Europe's fragmented defense industry.

During a European industry event this week, the CEOs of both companies disclosed the project in separate interviews. The initiative focuses on exploring the development of unmanned combat aircraft designed to support existing manned fighters, such as Airbus-backed Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab's Gripen E.

Industry sources suggest that a successful partnership could lay the groundwork for broader cooperation in airpower—especially as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, jointly advanced by France and Airbus's defense stakeholders (Germany and Spain), faces potential dissolution due to internal challenges.

When asked whether Airbus had approached Saab about collaboration should FCAS fail, Saab CEO Micael Johansson noted that the companies already maintain strong ties through Saab's Arexis Electronic Warfare system, currently deployed on Germany's Typhoon fleet.

"We've also discussed potential cooperation in unmanned systems to complement our existing fighter portfolios," Johansson added.

Saab is simultaneously engaging with other potential partners but has yet to finalize decisions. "This could present an opportunity, though discussions remain preliminary," Johansson remarked during a Brussels forum hosted by the Aerospace, Security, and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD).

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury confirmed the previously undisclosed talks when questioned, highlighting established collaboration in electronics and missiles. "We see promising prospects with Saab in unmanned systems—a standalone initiative unrelated to FCAS," Faury stated. "The project’s final form remains open, but current discussions are bilateral."

**Loyal Wingman Developments** Both companies are actively involved in the burgeoning market for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) or "loyal wingman" drones designed to support manned fighters. Airbus showcased a stealth-enabled Wingman concept at the 2024 Berlin Air Show, while Saab recently secured a Swedish government contract for manned-unmanned fighter research—an extension of post-Tempest program commitments after Sweden exited the UK-led project, now merged into the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

**Industry Landscape** Next week, defense ministers from Germany, France, and Spain will convene to address FCAS disputes. Sources indicate Airbus leadership maintains regular contact with Saab and BAE Systems (a GCAP member) to explore alternatives.

Launched over eight years ago with a €100 billion budget, FCAS has stalled due to disagreements over workload distribution and technology sharing. Johansson declined to comment on FCAS tensions but broadly stated, "We won’t speculate about Sweden replacing any party or project."

Analysts note that next-generation fighter decisions will reshape defense industry alliances for decades. In the previous cycle, Sweden independently developed the Gripen, while France fielded the Rafale and four nations collaborated on the Typhoon. Current realignments see France, Germany, and Spain pursuing FCAS (SCAF), while the UK and Japan lead GCAP—open to new members.

Sweden remains uncommitted, having initially partnered with the UK before pursuing independent Gripen successor studies. A political decision is expected by 2030, though Johansson suggested a 2028 timeline. He emphasized Saab’s intent to retain its rare status as an independent fighter OEM: "We rule out no cooperation path—but only if it preserves our core capabilities. Why relinquish them?"